Loose Ends
By Trynia Merin
Disclaimer: Excalibur and its characters are property of XMEN. This is a work of fiction, and is not meant for profit or to demean the characters. The events here take place after my first story Dreams Nailed. Please R and R. This part has no R rated stuff, but I'd put it a PG for language and some tense situations. As for adult material, they'll be marked in upcoming individual chapters.
Chapter 6
Tensely Amanda regarded Kurt as they ate their meal together. Amanda had said few words since Nightcrawler had persuaded the machine to cough up a meal of bratwurst, sauerkraut and lager for him and chicken cacchetori for her. She ate the synthesized food with a bit of disgust, her senses telling her it tasted all right, but her magic screaming at the amount of cold iron and technology present all around her. Far from the ley lines of Earth, her powers seemed to strain in the void of space. Far from Earth she feared her powers would desert her, and wondered of what use they could possibly be in the upcoming battle. Especially when it came to high tech Shi'ar might.
AT first blush that is what seemed to be the case, but looking deep within herself Amanda knew she had other options. Her power source of the Winding Way didn't stop at Earth. She would naturally have to tap another source of manna, that of the dimension of Avalon. Not since the magic lessons with her mother Margali had she dared touch it, fearing its overwhelming energies might corrupt her. Avalon's magic was far more fickle, designed to be used by the Third Race, the Fair folk. She sensed that the magical side of Khaos technomagical powers were spawned there, and added to the technology of his IBIC statue, which drew power from his own dimension. Without such a talisman, trapping such energies was tricky. But perhaps he could be persuaded to let her try a spell of manna acquisition that would enable her to draw from his source. Or else there was another. The soul sword, which she had considered giving to Margali. She herself had the sword bonded to her, having hesitated in giving it to her mother since now, and since she had helped split the power from Kitty. To tap the soulsword was to tap Limbo, a dimension of Dark magic, and using dark magic gave her a definite edge she was hesitant to use.
"I've always used white magic," she mumbled.
"What liebling?" Kurt asked her.
"The soul sword," Amanda Sefton mumbled. "I still have the use. Far from Earth I must try other sources..."
"Nein," Kurt shook his head, almost spitting out his mouthful of food. "There must be another way. That magic is dark..."
"Illyana wielded it," said Amanda. "I told Kitty, before I took it from her that the Soul Sword is nothing but a tool with attitude."
"But it is so dark... being in contact with it for so long almost corrupted Katschen..."
"There was another reason," Amanda said, and hesitated to tell Kurt of the other evil presence that still lurked near Kitty. She had seen the dark hand of Ogun, the shadow Ninja that had once haunted Kitty. Even so the door was still in Kitty's mind, ready for when Ogun might try to return. She had to be sure to remind Kitty to see her about possible spells of warding off the dark ghostly ninja.
"Such as..."
"Well Kitty isn't a sorceress," Amanda half lied. "And anyway, Mother taught me how to tap the magic for good. Just as she does..."
"That may be so..."
"Wouldn't you agree as Leader of Excalibur we need every possible tool in our arsenal to fight Sat-yr-9?" Amanda asked him as she swallowed a mouthful of water.
"Ja, but the Shi'ar have agreed to let us arm ourselves with their battle gear. Surely..."
"Get real, Kurt," Amanda snorted. "Their technology is based on cold iron, and its derivatives. My magic isn't compatible with it..."
"But surely..."
"But nothing. I'm using every magical advantage. MAGICAL, not technological, got it?" Amanda snapped. "I won't be some damn fool lump of flesh in a tin can thank you! Like SOME of us around here..."
"Are you referring to Cerise?" Kurt asked, catching the hint in her pointed remark.
"What if I am?" Amanda asked. "She assigned us SEPARATE quarters Kurt. Did the significance of that escape you? I don't think she's going to roll over and just accept us being a couple without a fight. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. And I get the impression you didn't exactly make it CLEAR the first time that you and she are done... unless I sense otherwise..."
"Amanda... liebling," Kurt stammered. "Look... I told her it was over..."
"Maybe, but does she seem like she's convinced?" Amanda snorted. "Judging from that look in her eyes, she doesn't agree with you... lover..."
"You're overreacting," Kurt brushed his hand away. "The quarters could have been assigned BEFORE she knew we were together..."
"And whose fault is THAT?" Amanda snapped back. She was further frustrated when she was cut off by the chirping of a door com.
"Excuse me," Nightcrawler said as he got up to answer the door. It slid open as he touched a side panel, not dissipating as the other chambers had done. Sgt. D'marran stood there, patiently waiting.
"Nightcrawler and Daytripper, would you please follow me to the recreation bay for your armament fittings," he asked. "At the request of Commander Cerise?"
"Who the hell does she..." Amanda snapped. "I'm EATING HERE!"
"Our apologies, but time is short," he said. "We must..."
"Bug out!" Amanda snapped.
"Please excuse my girlfriend," Kurt said. "I... we would be happy to comply in a few minutes after we finish eating."
"I'll come back for you," he said with a shrug. "Please finish quickly."
Kurt sighed as the door slid shut, and he turned to Amanda, saying, "You must remember we are guests on a ship..."
"I didn't ASK to come here. I'm only here to help rescue Brian and Meggan," Amanda shot back. "And I'm not some soldier in this Shi'ar guard, got it?"
"Ja, liebling, but we must be polite to our host," Nightcrawler sighed.
"Why, because she's your ex girlfriend?" Amanda asked. "What's she going to do, flush me into space if I don't bow down and kiss her space boots..."
"You're being childish," Kurt sighed.
"So what? YOU didn't tell me one fig about her and you, remember. I have a RIGHT to be," Amanda snapped at him.
"Liebchen..." he sighed.
"Let's just drop it, Kurt," she mumbled. "And get this damn fitting over with."
"As you wish, liebling," Kurt sighed as Amanda finished her food and wiped her hands with the napkin. Squaring her shoulders she strode up to the door and waved her hand, walking out of the door as it slid open. Sighing, Kurt walked behind her, and they caught up with D'marran.
*********
A reluctant Rahne looked up from her dinner as Shakarr stood at her door and said, "Are you ready for the fitting?"
"As I'll ever be... will it hurt, and must we need it?"
"We will be in a deep space environment. You'll need space suits, and the appropriate exoframes which will be fitted to interface with your specific mutant powers, Wolvesbane..."
"Aye, but I dinnan ken.." she sighed.
"It will be simple to learn how," Shakarr said. She noticed the reptilian-scaled being eyed her curiously, and she flushed.
"It's nae polite t' stare," she said, realizing she was in her transitional form.
"Your paraform is pleasing to my eyes," Shakarr said to her. "Are you certain you are a native of Earth?"
"I am. I be a mutant," she said. "And I ken ye Shi'ar are nae from all the same planet..."
"I'm from a world called Reptican," he said. "All those of my species are adapted to aquatic environments. However there is another dominant race, the Lupine, who resemble your form, and can shift to an alternate form as we can..."
"Verra interesting," she said as he led her to the second room, where Douglock and Khaos were staying. He depressed the door chime, and soon the door slid open to show Douglock peering at them in curiosity.
"Greetings," Douglock said. "I presume by your presence the suiting is next?"
"Correct, techno organic," said Shakarr. "You and Lord Khaos will accompany me..."
"I have no need for such armaments," Khaos said as he strode off after Douglock exited the room. "My own technomagical powers can arm me for any such battle..."
"Even in the vacuum of space, milord?" Shakarr asked him. Rahne fell beside Douglock, the alien smells of the ship grating on her nose. She didn't like the metal under her bare feet, or the sounds of the ship throbbing around her, far preferring the feel of real ground under her feet.
"You are... uncomfortable, Rahne?" Douglock asked her. "It's not your native habitat."
"Och, nae Douggie," she sighed. "I've na been in space fr ages. Even wi' Factor X I had my times. IT still puts mah teeth on edge..."
"They only wish to help. I tapped into the ships computer, and there are plans for the exostructural suits they plan to give us. Sat-yr-9s base is in the depths of space and the Shi'ar technology will give us a definite advantage in such an environment..."
"He is correct," Shakarr said, overhearing them. "Surely you must see this, Lord Khaos..."
"I will look at your star armor," he said slowly. "Because the Lady Cerise wishes it of me."
"Am I correct in assuming Khaos has affection for Cerise?" Douglock asked Rahne.
"Aye," she giggled. "And it t'woud be t' Amanda n' Kurt's advantage if this be so..."
"Since Kurt and Cerise were... involved?" Douglock asked. "That's the correct word, isn't it?"
"It is," grinned Rahne, a romantic at heart. They followed Shakarr to the much larger circular entrance which dissipated with a wave of his clawed hand to admit them into a large oval chamber swirling with the organic metal design characteristic of the Shi'ar ships. Already they saw Nightcrawler and Daytripper there, both with D'marran and a few other space suited soldiers.
"I don't WANT this," Amanda cursed at the exo suit they were trying to measure her for.
"Is something wrong, milady?" asked the feather headed D'marran.
"My power is MAGICAL, got it?" she mumbled. "This metal suit won't WORK with it..."
Sensing her distress, Khaos strode over, his elfish armor gleaming in the light of the chamber. "Perhaps I can help, Milady..."
"Khaos," she said. "I would love to see you try..."
"She is right," he said to D'marran. "These suits are not compatible with her powers. I can perhaps correct the deficiency with a simple spell..."
"What would your technologies know of such things, with all due respect, Lord Khaos?" asked D'marran, rather unconvinced.
Amanda stumbled in the armor, tripping. However Khaos steadied her, and reached for IBIC, the small talisman of great power at his belt. Removing it he raised it to bear on Amanda, and a ray of golden technomagical power shot out, enveloping Amanda with its radiance. IN high elvish Khaos recited a spell of transformation much to the surprise of the Shi'ar drill instructors.
"This way, we'll suit you up while those stubborns play around," Shakarr said to Rahne and Douglock. She let him lead them over to a booth that seemed made of glass and metal, and gently urged her in. She sniffed it slowly, wondering what it was.
"It's all right," Douglock said to her. "The nature of the device is to take your precise measurements... and power requirements..."
"Correct," said Shakarr. Rahne stepped in, and relaxed as he manipulated controls. A green light flared over her body momentarily as the measurements were taken, and it faced. He nodded slowly, and turned to Douglock.
"Is it over?" she asked.
"The system is making your suit now," he said. "Now your turn..."
Douglock held up his hand and said, "My systems can adapt to any environment, but proceed..."
At the other end of the device, machinery swirled and moved, and a large chamber opened, to reveal a body suit much like that of the other Shi'ar. Rahne looked at it doubtfully as Shakarr motioned her to step forwards. She watched in amazement as the suit seemed to split open, and he helped her to step inside it, and it closed seamlessly around her body, a perfect fit.
"Good. Try to use your mutant talents. You'll see the suit will adapt itself to your specific needs," said Shakarr. Rahne attempted total transformation, and found that the suit formed itself as she shifted, on all fours. As she tried various transitional forms she noted the difference. Douglock soon had his own suit, adapted to his technoorganic needs. It took on the appearance of his body, except instead of gold it was that strange sickly Shi'ar green, and buglike.
He turned to see Khaos stepping back from Amanda, and she stood in a much different suit. It was silvery around her form, fitting and light, but still of the appearance of armor. D'marran looked on in disbelief, shaking his head.
"Now, I shall show you the power of my techno magic," he said, and held his statue, concentrating. "You say the region of space is airless?"
"Yes," D'marran said, frustrated. Before him, Khaos' armor began to blend and merge as the energies of IBIC washed him in gold technomagical light. The silver armor took on a bulked up appearance, covering every inch of Khaos body to his neck in its liquid mercurial texture. As the light faded, it revealed a perfect suit of space armor, far lighter then the bulky Shi'ar suits. Amanda's suit had the same appearance, lightweight and strong, the metal transmuted to a sort that was non-ferrous based, its technomagical nature humming with the magic of her sorceress body. She felt an influx of power, as it soaked up the natural magic of space, and Avalon, channeling it into her soul.
"Where is Wisdom and Pryde?" asked Shakarr. "I'm on a schedule here. Commander Cerise will be here any decam..."
"He is not willing to come... he said some unflattering epithets," said D'marran.
"Not everyone likes to be interrupted," Amanda sniffed.
Kurt sighed, clad in his own Shi'ar battlesuit, that resembled that of D'marran and the others. He said as diplomatically as possible, "Let me talk to him. Perhaps I can convince him to come... or else convince KITTY to persuade him..."
"You're welcome to try. They should be here when Commander Cerise arrives," he said. "Time is short... and so is her patience..."
Amanda didn't' think she cared to hear that comment as Kurt sighed and walked over to depress the voicelink and call Wisdom and Pryde. Shakarr shrugged and turned to the others, clearing his throat as he said, "all right. I'll start with the basics... and we'll see how much you earthlings know about zero gee combat..."
***
"Wisdom, Katshen!" called a German accented voice. Grumbling, Pete Wisdom stirred, pulling Kitty to lay alongside him again in the bed.
"Sod off," he mumbled. "I'm tired..."
"Kitty, if you are there, you MUST come now," said Kurt. "We're all waiting for you..."
"Bloody hell," Wisdom mumbled as Kitty put her hand over his mouth to stop him from telling Kurt just WHAT he could do at that moment.
"Shh, let me talk to him," she said. "WE really should get up..."
"But dammit it's jest not..."
"Shh," she said. "I'm here Kurt. What's the flaming hurry?"
"Cerise is fitting us for combat space suits," said Kurt. "Apparently Sat-yr-9's base has a risk of a zero gee environment, and we all need such armaments..."
"We'll be there in five minutes," she said.
"Danke Katschen," Kurt said with relief.
Wisdom cursed as Kitty phased free from his grip and walked over to put on her Xmen garb again. She waved her hand over the light source, blinding him momentarily as she cheerfully said, "Get up, rise and shine!"
"It's not bleeding morning yet!" he cursed, looking at his watch. They had rested after their nocturnal Olympics for about two hours.
"No, but we have to get our act together and get to the armory before we can go round two..." she said, throwing his clothes at him. Mumbling he pulled on his pants and trousers, fumblingly buttoning his shirt.
"Figures," he cursed under her breath. Why was Kitty so friggin cheerful after only a few hours sleep, he wondered? Must be that damn Xmen training. As a black Air agent he was expected to get up at a moment's notice, but as this wasn't Black Air or earth, he could give a monkey's ass who it was yanking his chain.
Except that Brian and Meggan needed them, and they WERE in outer space, and they WOULD need space suits when push came to shove. He took a moment to light a smoke and continue dressing as Kitty buckled her belt and pulled on her boots and gloves. IN five minutes, with thirty seconds to spare they were walking hand and hand down the hall, escorted by D'marran toward the recreational room and armory to get fitted for suits.
****
Kurt and Rahne bounded through the metallic maze of rings and bars in the jungle gym with ease. From below D'marran looked on in satisfaction as he let loose a few target drones, which sent pencil thin lasers about the gym. Rahne flipped through a loop, avoiding the laser that missed her by a mere inch. Swinging on his armored tail, Kurt flipped below her and spun around to bear on the drone. He teleported as Rahne shifted to lupine form, her armor shifting with her. A quick kick and slice from a deflector sword sliced the one drone as Rahne spun and extended long claw extensions from her glove to slice the other target to ribbons.
"Well done," said D'marran. Nearby in another suite Shakarr watched as Douglock surrounded another large drone, in the shape of a fighting robot with tendrils of his technoorganic suit. He attempted to interface with the drone to no avail.
"You'll have to do better then that," Shakarr laughed.
"This way, kid!" Wisdom said, clad in a buglike Shi'ar suit. Hotknives flared from the tips of his gloves, slicing into the back of the drone's head module, and slicing it clean off its rivets. The drone turned on Wisdom, who stepped aside as Kitty phased through it, suit and all. Disrupted, the drone spat sparks and babbled in a stream of technological drivel.
"To your left mate! Look lively!" Pete shouted to Kitty.
"I see it!" Kitty shouted, phasing through the shots from another large ten-foot drone. Flipping over she brought up her hands in a defensive posture and whirled on her foot. The exo armor boosted her strength, giving her the added power to knock it off balance.
Khaos and another drone in a third suite faced off, blades drawn. Both twin swords slashed in glistening arcs as Khaos parried the triple bladed attack of the six-armed drone. He ducked as one blade arced, and blocked the second, flipping over. Wings sprouted from his space armor as he took flight and circled above the drone.
Pencil thin beams sang out, and he deflected them easily with twin swings of his swords. A technomagical burst from IBIC sizzled into the drone's heart, stopping it.
"Excellent," Cerise nodded.
"What about the other?" asked D'marran, who turned to his commander. "She doesn't seem to possess many battle skills..."
"Perhaps she needs training," Cerise said. Amanda erected a shield of her own magical power, fending off the rays from her drone as she fought alongside Khaos in the same suite. As her shield buckled, Khaos swooped down and dispatched her drone with a swish of his blade.
"Thanks," she said.
"My pleasure," he nodded.
Cerise frowned a bit, noticing Amanda's lack of battle skills. She held up a hand, and the testing stopped. Everyone looked up at her image on the viewscreen and panted, sweat running down their faces. "Enough. You are all doing well. I suggest you report back tomorrow for another session. It is time for slumber period..."
"About friggin time," Wisdom mumbled. He pulled off his space helmet as Shakarr opened the door to his suite, and beckoned them to step out. Kitty moved up to him, as did Douglock. Wisdom slugged Doug on the back as the techno organic passed and turned to Kitty, his arm around her waist. Kurt and Rahne emerged from their suite, pulling off their helmets and nodding to D'marran as they exited.
Khaos helped Amanda to stand, their silver armor very distinct and different from the rest of the team as they exited their combat room, and joined the other members of Excalibur. It was Wisdom who said, "So is it like the lady says then, Kurt?"
"Ja," said Kurt. "I take it we all need these suits, and have performed well?"
"You have," Cerise said. "We'll reconvene tomorrow... after slumber period. However, I am concerned about Daytripper's performance..."
"Excuse me?" Amanda asked, pulling off her helmet. "I did the best I could..."
"She did perform as well as the rest of us," Kurt said.
"Indeed," Khaos nodded. "and it is late... and we're all tired."
"If you have a problem with me, spit it out," Amanda said, walking up to Cerise and glaring in her face.
"We must be at peak readiness, to confront the enemy..." said Cerise.
"She will be able to do what the rest of us will," said Kurt, stepping between Amanda and Cerise. "You have my word..."
"I propose that I can instruct her in the ways of combat," said Cerise.
"I don't need YOUR help," said Amanda.
"You require my assistance," said Cerise.
"If you don't think I can hack it, try me," Amanda huffed.
"Cerise... Amanda..." said Kurt.
"No, I'm sick of this," Amanda said. "Bird lady you're on. I'll see what you have to show me..."
"But it's late and we must rest..." said Kurt.
"Agreed," said Amanda. "But I'm willing to see what she's going to show me."
"But..." Kurt said.
"I'm interested to watch. If you don't mind, I'll observe," Khaos said.
"Feel free," said Cerise. Amanda gave Kurt a look that clearly said, I NEED to do this, so don't stop me. He slowly nodded, as Kitty tugged his arm and whispered.
"Let her try. She needs to prove something..."
"She doesn't..." Kurt mumbled.
"Yes she does," Kitty said. "Let her Kurt. What's the harm?"
"As you wish. Goodnight Liebling," said Kurt with a sigh. Kitty nodded slowly and the others walked away, save Khaos who remained to watch the two females, both with a gleam in their eyes Kurt did not care for.
By Trynia Merin
Disclaimer: Excalibur and its characters are property of XMEN. This is a work of fiction, and is not meant for profit or to demean the characters. The events here take place after my first story Dreams Nailed. Please R and R. This part has no R rated stuff, but I'd put it a PG for language and some tense situations. As for adult material, they'll be marked in upcoming individual chapters.
Chapter 6
Tensely Amanda regarded Kurt as they ate their meal together. Amanda had said few words since Nightcrawler had persuaded the machine to cough up a meal of bratwurst, sauerkraut and lager for him and chicken cacchetori for her. She ate the synthesized food with a bit of disgust, her senses telling her it tasted all right, but her magic screaming at the amount of cold iron and technology present all around her. Far from the ley lines of Earth, her powers seemed to strain in the void of space. Far from Earth she feared her powers would desert her, and wondered of what use they could possibly be in the upcoming battle. Especially when it came to high tech Shi'ar might.
AT first blush that is what seemed to be the case, but looking deep within herself Amanda knew she had other options. Her power source of the Winding Way didn't stop at Earth. She would naturally have to tap another source of manna, that of the dimension of Avalon. Not since the magic lessons with her mother Margali had she dared touch it, fearing its overwhelming energies might corrupt her. Avalon's magic was far more fickle, designed to be used by the Third Race, the Fair folk. She sensed that the magical side of Khaos technomagical powers were spawned there, and added to the technology of his IBIC statue, which drew power from his own dimension. Without such a talisman, trapping such energies was tricky. But perhaps he could be persuaded to let her try a spell of manna acquisition that would enable her to draw from his source. Or else there was another. The soul sword, which she had considered giving to Margali. She herself had the sword bonded to her, having hesitated in giving it to her mother since now, and since she had helped split the power from Kitty. To tap the soulsword was to tap Limbo, a dimension of Dark magic, and using dark magic gave her a definite edge she was hesitant to use.
"I've always used white magic," she mumbled.
"What liebling?" Kurt asked her.
"The soul sword," Amanda Sefton mumbled. "I still have the use. Far from Earth I must try other sources..."
"Nein," Kurt shook his head, almost spitting out his mouthful of food. "There must be another way. That magic is dark..."
"Illyana wielded it," said Amanda. "I told Kitty, before I took it from her that the Soul Sword is nothing but a tool with attitude."
"But it is so dark... being in contact with it for so long almost corrupted Katschen..."
"There was another reason," Amanda said, and hesitated to tell Kurt of the other evil presence that still lurked near Kitty. She had seen the dark hand of Ogun, the shadow Ninja that had once haunted Kitty. Even so the door was still in Kitty's mind, ready for when Ogun might try to return. She had to be sure to remind Kitty to see her about possible spells of warding off the dark ghostly ninja.
"Such as..."
"Well Kitty isn't a sorceress," Amanda half lied. "And anyway, Mother taught me how to tap the magic for good. Just as she does..."
"That may be so..."
"Wouldn't you agree as Leader of Excalibur we need every possible tool in our arsenal to fight Sat-yr-9?" Amanda asked him as she swallowed a mouthful of water.
"Ja, but the Shi'ar have agreed to let us arm ourselves with their battle gear. Surely..."
"Get real, Kurt," Amanda snorted. "Their technology is based on cold iron, and its derivatives. My magic isn't compatible with it..."
"But surely..."
"But nothing. I'm using every magical advantage. MAGICAL, not technological, got it?" Amanda snapped. "I won't be some damn fool lump of flesh in a tin can thank you! Like SOME of us around here..."
"Are you referring to Cerise?" Kurt asked, catching the hint in her pointed remark.
"What if I am?" Amanda asked. "She assigned us SEPARATE quarters Kurt. Did the significance of that escape you? I don't think she's going to roll over and just accept us being a couple without a fight. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. And I get the impression you didn't exactly make it CLEAR the first time that you and she are done... unless I sense otherwise..."
"Amanda... liebling," Kurt stammered. "Look... I told her it was over..."
"Maybe, but does she seem like she's convinced?" Amanda snorted. "Judging from that look in her eyes, she doesn't agree with you... lover..."
"You're overreacting," Kurt brushed his hand away. "The quarters could have been assigned BEFORE she knew we were together..."
"And whose fault is THAT?" Amanda snapped back. She was further frustrated when she was cut off by the chirping of a door com.
"Excuse me," Nightcrawler said as he got up to answer the door. It slid open as he touched a side panel, not dissipating as the other chambers had done. Sgt. D'marran stood there, patiently waiting.
"Nightcrawler and Daytripper, would you please follow me to the recreation bay for your armament fittings," he asked. "At the request of Commander Cerise?"
"Who the hell does she..." Amanda snapped. "I'm EATING HERE!"
"Our apologies, but time is short," he said. "We must..."
"Bug out!" Amanda snapped.
"Please excuse my girlfriend," Kurt said. "I... we would be happy to comply in a few minutes after we finish eating."
"I'll come back for you," he said with a shrug. "Please finish quickly."
Kurt sighed as the door slid shut, and he turned to Amanda, saying, "You must remember we are guests on a ship..."
"I didn't ASK to come here. I'm only here to help rescue Brian and Meggan," Amanda shot back. "And I'm not some soldier in this Shi'ar guard, got it?"
"Ja, liebling, but we must be polite to our host," Nightcrawler sighed.
"Why, because she's your ex girlfriend?" Amanda asked. "What's she going to do, flush me into space if I don't bow down and kiss her space boots..."
"You're being childish," Kurt sighed.
"So what? YOU didn't tell me one fig about her and you, remember. I have a RIGHT to be," Amanda snapped at him.
"Liebchen..." he sighed.
"Let's just drop it, Kurt," she mumbled. "And get this damn fitting over with."
"As you wish, liebling," Kurt sighed as Amanda finished her food and wiped her hands with the napkin. Squaring her shoulders she strode up to the door and waved her hand, walking out of the door as it slid open. Sighing, Kurt walked behind her, and they caught up with D'marran.
*********
A reluctant Rahne looked up from her dinner as Shakarr stood at her door and said, "Are you ready for the fitting?"
"As I'll ever be... will it hurt, and must we need it?"
"We will be in a deep space environment. You'll need space suits, and the appropriate exoframes which will be fitted to interface with your specific mutant powers, Wolvesbane..."
"Aye, but I dinnan ken.." she sighed.
"It will be simple to learn how," Shakarr said. She noticed the reptilian-scaled being eyed her curiously, and she flushed.
"It's nae polite t' stare," she said, realizing she was in her transitional form.
"Your paraform is pleasing to my eyes," Shakarr said to her. "Are you certain you are a native of Earth?"
"I am. I be a mutant," she said. "And I ken ye Shi'ar are nae from all the same planet..."
"I'm from a world called Reptican," he said. "All those of my species are adapted to aquatic environments. However there is another dominant race, the Lupine, who resemble your form, and can shift to an alternate form as we can..."
"Verra interesting," she said as he led her to the second room, where Douglock and Khaos were staying. He depressed the door chime, and soon the door slid open to show Douglock peering at them in curiosity.
"Greetings," Douglock said. "I presume by your presence the suiting is next?"
"Correct, techno organic," said Shakarr. "You and Lord Khaos will accompany me..."
"I have no need for such armaments," Khaos said as he strode off after Douglock exited the room. "My own technomagical powers can arm me for any such battle..."
"Even in the vacuum of space, milord?" Shakarr asked him. Rahne fell beside Douglock, the alien smells of the ship grating on her nose. She didn't like the metal under her bare feet, or the sounds of the ship throbbing around her, far preferring the feel of real ground under her feet.
"You are... uncomfortable, Rahne?" Douglock asked her. "It's not your native habitat."
"Och, nae Douggie," she sighed. "I've na been in space fr ages. Even wi' Factor X I had my times. IT still puts mah teeth on edge..."
"They only wish to help. I tapped into the ships computer, and there are plans for the exostructural suits they plan to give us. Sat-yr-9s base is in the depths of space and the Shi'ar technology will give us a definite advantage in such an environment..."
"He is correct," Shakarr said, overhearing them. "Surely you must see this, Lord Khaos..."
"I will look at your star armor," he said slowly. "Because the Lady Cerise wishes it of me."
"Am I correct in assuming Khaos has affection for Cerise?" Douglock asked Rahne.
"Aye," she giggled. "And it t'woud be t' Amanda n' Kurt's advantage if this be so..."
"Since Kurt and Cerise were... involved?" Douglock asked. "That's the correct word, isn't it?"
"It is," grinned Rahne, a romantic at heart. They followed Shakarr to the much larger circular entrance which dissipated with a wave of his clawed hand to admit them into a large oval chamber swirling with the organic metal design characteristic of the Shi'ar ships. Already they saw Nightcrawler and Daytripper there, both with D'marran and a few other space suited soldiers.
"I don't WANT this," Amanda cursed at the exo suit they were trying to measure her for.
"Is something wrong, milady?" asked the feather headed D'marran.
"My power is MAGICAL, got it?" she mumbled. "This metal suit won't WORK with it..."
Sensing her distress, Khaos strode over, his elfish armor gleaming in the light of the chamber. "Perhaps I can help, Milady..."
"Khaos," she said. "I would love to see you try..."
"She is right," he said to D'marran. "These suits are not compatible with her powers. I can perhaps correct the deficiency with a simple spell..."
"What would your technologies know of such things, with all due respect, Lord Khaos?" asked D'marran, rather unconvinced.
Amanda stumbled in the armor, tripping. However Khaos steadied her, and reached for IBIC, the small talisman of great power at his belt. Removing it he raised it to bear on Amanda, and a ray of golden technomagical power shot out, enveloping Amanda with its radiance. IN high elvish Khaos recited a spell of transformation much to the surprise of the Shi'ar drill instructors.
"This way, we'll suit you up while those stubborns play around," Shakarr said to Rahne and Douglock. She let him lead them over to a booth that seemed made of glass and metal, and gently urged her in. She sniffed it slowly, wondering what it was.
"It's all right," Douglock said to her. "The nature of the device is to take your precise measurements... and power requirements..."
"Correct," said Shakarr. Rahne stepped in, and relaxed as he manipulated controls. A green light flared over her body momentarily as the measurements were taken, and it faced. He nodded slowly, and turned to Douglock.
"Is it over?" she asked.
"The system is making your suit now," he said. "Now your turn..."
Douglock held up his hand and said, "My systems can adapt to any environment, but proceed..."
At the other end of the device, machinery swirled and moved, and a large chamber opened, to reveal a body suit much like that of the other Shi'ar. Rahne looked at it doubtfully as Shakarr motioned her to step forwards. She watched in amazement as the suit seemed to split open, and he helped her to step inside it, and it closed seamlessly around her body, a perfect fit.
"Good. Try to use your mutant talents. You'll see the suit will adapt itself to your specific needs," said Shakarr. Rahne attempted total transformation, and found that the suit formed itself as she shifted, on all fours. As she tried various transitional forms she noted the difference. Douglock soon had his own suit, adapted to his technoorganic needs. It took on the appearance of his body, except instead of gold it was that strange sickly Shi'ar green, and buglike.
He turned to see Khaos stepping back from Amanda, and she stood in a much different suit. It was silvery around her form, fitting and light, but still of the appearance of armor. D'marran looked on in disbelief, shaking his head.
"Now, I shall show you the power of my techno magic," he said, and held his statue, concentrating. "You say the region of space is airless?"
"Yes," D'marran said, frustrated. Before him, Khaos' armor began to blend and merge as the energies of IBIC washed him in gold technomagical light. The silver armor took on a bulked up appearance, covering every inch of Khaos body to his neck in its liquid mercurial texture. As the light faded, it revealed a perfect suit of space armor, far lighter then the bulky Shi'ar suits. Amanda's suit had the same appearance, lightweight and strong, the metal transmuted to a sort that was non-ferrous based, its technomagical nature humming with the magic of her sorceress body. She felt an influx of power, as it soaked up the natural magic of space, and Avalon, channeling it into her soul.
"Where is Wisdom and Pryde?" asked Shakarr. "I'm on a schedule here. Commander Cerise will be here any decam..."
"He is not willing to come... he said some unflattering epithets," said D'marran.
"Not everyone likes to be interrupted," Amanda sniffed.
Kurt sighed, clad in his own Shi'ar battlesuit, that resembled that of D'marran and the others. He said as diplomatically as possible, "Let me talk to him. Perhaps I can convince him to come... or else convince KITTY to persuade him..."
"You're welcome to try. They should be here when Commander Cerise arrives," he said. "Time is short... and so is her patience..."
Amanda didn't' think she cared to hear that comment as Kurt sighed and walked over to depress the voicelink and call Wisdom and Pryde. Shakarr shrugged and turned to the others, clearing his throat as he said, "all right. I'll start with the basics... and we'll see how much you earthlings know about zero gee combat..."
***
"Wisdom, Katshen!" called a German accented voice. Grumbling, Pete Wisdom stirred, pulling Kitty to lay alongside him again in the bed.
"Sod off," he mumbled. "I'm tired..."
"Kitty, if you are there, you MUST come now," said Kurt. "We're all waiting for you..."
"Bloody hell," Wisdom mumbled as Kitty put her hand over his mouth to stop him from telling Kurt just WHAT he could do at that moment.
"Shh, let me talk to him," she said. "WE really should get up..."
"But dammit it's jest not..."
"Shh," she said. "I'm here Kurt. What's the flaming hurry?"
"Cerise is fitting us for combat space suits," said Kurt. "Apparently Sat-yr-9's base has a risk of a zero gee environment, and we all need such armaments..."
"We'll be there in five minutes," she said.
"Danke Katschen," Kurt said with relief.
Wisdom cursed as Kitty phased free from his grip and walked over to put on her Xmen garb again. She waved her hand over the light source, blinding him momentarily as she cheerfully said, "Get up, rise and shine!"
"It's not bleeding morning yet!" he cursed, looking at his watch. They had rested after their nocturnal Olympics for about two hours.
"No, but we have to get our act together and get to the armory before we can go round two..." she said, throwing his clothes at him. Mumbling he pulled on his pants and trousers, fumblingly buttoning his shirt.
"Figures," he cursed under her breath. Why was Kitty so friggin cheerful after only a few hours sleep, he wondered? Must be that damn Xmen training. As a black Air agent he was expected to get up at a moment's notice, but as this wasn't Black Air or earth, he could give a monkey's ass who it was yanking his chain.
Except that Brian and Meggan needed them, and they WERE in outer space, and they WOULD need space suits when push came to shove. He took a moment to light a smoke and continue dressing as Kitty buckled her belt and pulled on her boots and gloves. IN five minutes, with thirty seconds to spare they were walking hand and hand down the hall, escorted by D'marran toward the recreational room and armory to get fitted for suits.
****
Kurt and Rahne bounded through the metallic maze of rings and bars in the jungle gym with ease. From below D'marran looked on in satisfaction as he let loose a few target drones, which sent pencil thin lasers about the gym. Rahne flipped through a loop, avoiding the laser that missed her by a mere inch. Swinging on his armored tail, Kurt flipped below her and spun around to bear on the drone. He teleported as Rahne shifted to lupine form, her armor shifting with her. A quick kick and slice from a deflector sword sliced the one drone as Rahne spun and extended long claw extensions from her glove to slice the other target to ribbons.
"Well done," said D'marran. Nearby in another suite Shakarr watched as Douglock surrounded another large drone, in the shape of a fighting robot with tendrils of his technoorganic suit. He attempted to interface with the drone to no avail.
"You'll have to do better then that," Shakarr laughed.
"This way, kid!" Wisdom said, clad in a buglike Shi'ar suit. Hotknives flared from the tips of his gloves, slicing into the back of the drone's head module, and slicing it clean off its rivets. The drone turned on Wisdom, who stepped aside as Kitty phased through it, suit and all. Disrupted, the drone spat sparks and babbled in a stream of technological drivel.
"To your left mate! Look lively!" Pete shouted to Kitty.
"I see it!" Kitty shouted, phasing through the shots from another large ten-foot drone. Flipping over she brought up her hands in a defensive posture and whirled on her foot. The exo armor boosted her strength, giving her the added power to knock it off balance.
Khaos and another drone in a third suite faced off, blades drawn. Both twin swords slashed in glistening arcs as Khaos parried the triple bladed attack of the six-armed drone. He ducked as one blade arced, and blocked the second, flipping over. Wings sprouted from his space armor as he took flight and circled above the drone.
Pencil thin beams sang out, and he deflected them easily with twin swings of his swords. A technomagical burst from IBIC sizzled into the drone's heart, stopping it.
"Excellent," Cerise nodded.
"What about the other?" asked D'marran, who turned to his commander. "She doesn't seem to possess many battle skills..."
"Perhaps she needs training," Cerise said. Amanda erected a shield of her own magical power, fending off the rays from her drone as she fought alongside Khaos in the same suite. As her shield buckled, Khaos swooped down and dispatched her drone with a swish of his blade.
"Thanks," she said.
"My pleasure," he nodded.
Cerise frowned a bit, noticing Amanda's lack of battle skills. She held up a hand, and the testing stopped. Everyone looked up at her image on the viewscreen and panted, sweat running down their faces. "Enough. You are all doing well. I suggest you report back tomorrow for another session. It is time for slumber period..."
"About friggin time," Wisdom mumbled. He pulled off his space helmet as Shakarr opened the door to his suite, and beckoned them to step out. Kitty moved up to him, as did Douglock. Wisdom slugged Doug on the back as the techno organic passed and turned to Kitty, his arm around her waist. Kurt and Rahne emerged from their suite, pulling off their helmets and nodding to D'marran as they exited.
Khaos helped Amanda to stand, their silver armor very distinct and different from the rest of the team as they exited their combat room, and joined the other members of Excalibur. It was Wisdom who said, "So is it like the lady says then, Kurt?"
"Ja," said Kurt. "I take it we all need these suits, and have performed well?"
"You have," Cerise said. "We'll reconvene tomorrow... after slumber period. However, I am concerned about Daytripper's performance..."
"Excuse me?" Amanda asked, pulling off her helmet. "I did the best I could..."
"She did perform as well as the rest of us," Kurt said.
"Indeed," Khaos nodded. "and it is late... and we're all tired."
"If you have a problem with me, spit it out," Amanda said, walking up to Cerise and glaring in her face.
"We must be at peak readiness, to confront the enemy..." said Cerise.
"She will be able to do what the rest of us will," said Kurt, stepping between Amanda and Cerise. "You have my word..."
"I propose that I can instruct her in the ways of combat," said Cerise.
"I don't need YOUR help," said Amanda.
"You require my assistance," said Cerise.
"If you don't think I can hack it, try me," Amanda huffed.
"Cerise... Amanda..." said Kurt.
"No, I'm sick of this," Amanda said. "Bird lady you're on. I'll see what you have to show me..."
"But it's late and we must rest..." said Kurt.
"Agreed," said Amanda. "But I'm willing to see what she's going to show me."
"But..." Kurt said.
"I'm interested to watch. If you don't mind, I'll observe," Khaos said.
"Feel free," said Cerise. Amanda gave Kurt a look that clearly said, I NEED to do this, so don't stop me. He slowly nodded, as Kitty tugged his arm and whispered.
"Let her try. She needs to prove something..."
"She doesn't..." Kurt mumbled.
"Yes she does," Kitty said. "Let her Kurt. What's the harm?"
"As you wish. Goodnight Liebling," said Kurt with a sigh. Kitty nodded slowly and the others walked away, save Khaos who remained to watch the two females, both with a gleam in their eyes Kurt did not care for.